Gareth Bale took a nasty shot to an unfortunate place this past Saturday, Jan. 25. He was forced off the pitch in the eighth minute as a result.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti told the press, via ESPN, that Bale will not be able to participate in Tuesday's contest. Ancelotti did clear up, however, that the injury was not related to the specific area where Bale was struck:

It is the left leg, according to Ancelotti, that will keep Bale from action.

Ancelotti, per ESPN, stated that Jese Rodriguez will take Bale's spot on the pitch:

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Obviously, there is going to be a drop-off from the world's most expensive footballer to Jese Rodriguez. The 20-year-old, however, has been in fine form in his recent playing time and is in the process of carving out a role for himself.

This is the perfect opportunity for Rodriguez to prove his worth. Considering Madrid's talent advantage over Espanyol, Bale's absence shouldn't have a big impact on this match.

Prediction: Real Madrid 1, Espanyol 0

Playing an away match, already facing a 1-0 deficit and with a Feb. 2 La Liga contest against Real Betis, Espanyol isn't going to come out with the intensity needed to compete in this match.

Real Madrid will net a quick goal and then be content to guard their goal and coast out with an easy and familiar 1-0 victory.